Buttock Pain May Be a Symptom of Lumbar Disk Herniation
Examinations of 321 disk herniation patients revealed that buttock pain is a common and independent symptom affecting three out of four such individuals—particularly those with contained herniations and an intact annulus. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, March 2025
Women Who Work Night Shift May Be at Elevated Risk of Asthma
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that women who routinely work nights have a 50% increased risk of asthma. Interestingly, the risk is even greater for postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy, suggesting the underlying cause may be hormonal in nature. The research team did not observe a link between night shifts and asthma in men. ERJ Open Research, June 2025
Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Early Adulthood May Raise Diabetes Risk
Altered glucose homeostasis refers to a disruption in the body’s ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels, often involving impaired insulin production, insulin resistance, or abnormal glucose metabolism—which can set the stage for type 2 diabetes. An analysis of data from the Meta-AIR study revealed that a high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with altered glucose homeostasis in early adulthood. The findings are especially alarming as ultra-processed foods account for the majority of calories in the average young adult’s diet. Research Square, July 2025
Fitness May Protect Against Depression
An analysis of data pooled from national cohort studies in the United States and United Kingdom revealed that depression affects about 22% of the population, and higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a reduced risk for the mood disorder. BMC Medicine, July 2025
Frequent Nightmares May Increase Risk of Premature Death
Telomeres are protective DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, acting as a biological clock that contributes to cellular and overall aging. A recent study found that individuals who experience recurring nightmares show accelerated telomere shortening, likely driven by elevated cortisol levels released in response to stress-inducing dreams. This faster cellular aging is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases at younger ages and may increase the likelihood of premature death. European Academy of Neurology, June 2025
Locomotive Syndrome Linked to Metabolic Syndrome
Locomotive syndrome is a condition characterized by reduced mobility due to impaired musculoskeletal function. A study that included 4,301 middle-aged and older adults revealed that locomotive syndrome raises the risk of metabolic syndrome by up to 34%. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders may also benefit the metabolic health of the population. Preventative Medicine, June 2025
“Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.” ~ Don Herold
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.